Family Friendly Volunteer Experiences

What makes a volunteer experience "family-friendly?"  Families who volunteer and the organizations sponsoring the volunteer opportunity should carefully consider the other's needs, desires, and capabilities.  

Top Ten Signs of a Family Friendly Volunteer Experience

1. It's active and FUN!
2. Activity can be shared among family members and accommodates various ages, skills and interests
3. Flexible schedule to accommodate family availability
4. On-site training for children and youth
5. Easy-to-read instructions provided
6. Activity provides a direct, visible impact in education, income or health
7. Time for families to reflect on the activity and their feelings
8. Occurs within a limited amount of time
9. Introduces families to new experiences and environments
10. Interaction with other families

Before making the commitment

Your family may want to start slowly. Consider a one-time or short-term volunteer activity before making a long-term commitment and doing your volunteer activity with other family groups (PTAs, religious organizations, neighbors or workplace groups). Consider everyone's busy schedule when volunteering as a family. You may decide to volunteer individually at different times. Questions to ask before you start: 

• Why are you interested in volunteering?
• Who would you like to help? or What issues are you interested in?
• What does your family enjoy doing together?
• How frequently would you be able to volunteer?
• What talents and skills does your family have to offer?
• What do you want your family to learn from the experience?
• If volunteering with children, ask about any issues related to their needs or safety concerns. Make sure that you are comfortable with the volunteer project site and the opportunity. You're the best judge of what will be appropriate for your child. Also make sure:
• the volunteer opportunity is age-appropriate and family-friendly
• projects are adequately supervised
• projects protect the volunteer's privacy and personal information 
• agencies/organizations screen and do background checks on staff and volunteers

During and after the family volunteer experience

• Take responsibility for supervising your children. Their experience and that of anyone working with you will be more positive if everyone is focused on the work to be done.
• Talk openly about your experiences on the drive home, during meals or whenever your family has time together. Both adults and children will benefit from the opportunity to discuss everyone's reactions to the volunteer activities.
• Let your volunteer coordinator know if your family has any special concerns or problems, and discuss how you can work together for a satisfactory solution. Share your positive experiences, too!
• Keep a journal with photos and stories of your family's volunteer activities. Share the journal with relatives, co-workers and friends.
• Have fun! It is not only allowed, but it should be a requirement!

Ready to volunteer with your family?  Find out what family friendly activities are already planned in your community, or get advice on creating your own!  Just enter your zip code on LiveUnited.org/Volunteer to find your local United Way and volunteer opportunities in your community.